In April, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) hosted its annual clinical and scientific meeting. Experts from around the world gathered in Austin at ACOG 2018 to discuss the latest advances and best practices in gynecology and obstetrics. Let's look at some highlights.
Incoming President Highlights Access and Underserved Populations
ACOG's incoming president, Dr. Lisa Hollier, delivered a passionate speech about access to care and troubling trends in maternal mortality in the U.S.
"Before we can reduce maternal mortality, before we can achieve meaningful improvements in women's health outcomes, our societies must decide that women's lives are worth saving," she said. "Women's lives must be a priority."
Discussions about disparities in care for minorities and low-income populations reverberated throughout multiple sessions during the four-day meeting. Other topics included the role of an OB/GYN in prison and the importance of access to contraception around the world.
Educational Opportunities for Gynecologists at ACOG 2018
The meeting had something for everyone, including educational opportunities for fellows and new physicians, hands-on sessions and practice management tips for those starting their own business.
Fibroids are a hot topic, and one session featured a debate between two physicians about surgical versus nonsurgical treatment options. Both highlighted the numerous alternatives to hysterectomy for the millions of women who have uterine fibroids.
The Samuel A. Cosgrove Memorial Lecture focused on abnormal uterine bleeding, which affects up to 30 percent of women during their lifetime. The speakers discussed how abnormal bleeding can be detrimental to women's quality of life and detailed how an IUD can help treat the problem.
Dr. Michael Thomas noted that abnormal uterine bleeding accounts for about 33 percent of gynecologic outpatient visits. The presenters argued that treatment should be based on what most improves a patient's quality of life, which may not always be the same as which therapy leads to reduced blood loss.
GE also sponsored a breast symposium that focused on imaging women with dense breast tissue. About 70 percent of breast cancers occur in women with dense breasts. Dr. Allison Zupon discussed how she handles imaging challenges with this patient group in her practice.
Exploring the Latest in Ultrasound Technology
This year's meeting introduced "Trifecta Sessions," which featured three simultaneous lectures on similar subjects. Attendees could watch all three presentations or focus on just one through a headset provided by the event staff. "Ultrasound 2018: What the Specialists Should Know" covered ultrasound safety, management of abnormal placentation and anomalies that should be spotted via ultrasound. Dr. Jacques Abramowicz talked about specific abnormalities and basic ultrasound best practices. Although ultrasound is generally safe, he noted that it can affect tissues and OB/GYNs should be aware of the risks.
Dr. Steven Goldstein hosted a session that filled to standing room only, titled "Incidental Findings on Transvaginal Ultrasound: Do We See Too Much?" He talked about how transvaginal ultrasound, which is increasingly used as part of pelvic examinations, often reveals other medical issues due to its high degree of magnification. This can lead to anxiety and further testing for common, benign conditions, such as simple ovarian cysts and small endometriomas in asymptomatic women. Goldstein argued that gynecologists must be careful not to overreact to these incidental findings and review symptoms to determine the best course of action for the patient.
Overall, the meeting featured a wealth of information for physicians at all stages of their careers and specializations. By facilitating stimulating discussions about maternal mortality, abnormal uterine bleeding and the state of ultrasound technology, ACOG 2018 promoted both education and activism to steer the future of the gynecology field in the right direction.
Photo courtesy of ACOG.
